Greek Mythology: Herakles - Movie Review Example

Mythology refers to a collection of myths that form a mythological system. Myths provide an insight into the origins of humanity; they educate humanity about the traditions and culture prevalent in that era. These are not merely tales of some kings who fought on this planet but there is always a message for humanity. The battle itself is a metaphor for the constant turmoil within human beings and the epics teach us to handle it in the righteous manner. When such myths are depicted through movies, enabling children and adults to understand the mythology better, normally distortion takes place. This essay will discuss the influence of the mythological tale of the Greek hero Herakles, which was made into a movie called Hercules by the Walt Disney Feature Animation directed by Ron Clements and John Musker in 1997. King Zeus was married to Hera but Herakles was his son through another woman called Alcmene, the wife of Amphitryon but in the film Hercules has been shown as the son of Zeus and Hera. Disney perhaps felt it would be difficult for young viewers to conceive the fact he was born to Alcmene. While his birth was not a normal one, Herakles, half-man and half-God was granted godhood after his death; Herakles was sent to exile for 12 years before he could take over as a king. He earned glory through his stepmothers enmity. Herakles served as a slave under his half-brother, Eurystheus. The Labors and Deaths of Herakles teach us to face adversities, challenges and emerge victorious. The look of the characters in the movie has designed to look like stereotypes, for instance the Titans have been made to look like brute giants. This is mutilation of cultural heritage and this movie was not a success in Greece because of this reason. Even the name was changed from Herakles in Greek to Hercules as in Latin. The Disney version of the movie has completely distorted the mythological hero Hercules. The film does contain a brief reference to the Twelve Labors of Hercules but it has totally changed the culture of ancient Greece. Hamilton too discusses the Twelve Labors in detail but the movie just briefly touches it. Hercules was entrusted with the responsibility to kill the evil forces, the animals, or demons that disturbed the life of human beings on earth. He had the support of the Gods in accomplishing their feat, which establishes that this was one of the purposes of his birth. Edith Hamilton in her book, Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes has depicted Hercules as full of strength, courage and intelligence. She has portrayed him as Great, "Not because he had complete courage based on overwhelming strength, which is merely a matter of course, but because, by his sorrow for wrongdoing ad his willingness to do anything to expiate it, he showed greatness of soul." (Part3, Ch3, p 227). Hercules teaches through his life that immortality can be attained only after one fulfills the purpose of life on earth. Death does not come until one learns the lessons of life and immortality. All human beings are mortal and obliged to face death. Hercules teaches us to eliminate negative tendencies and lessons of immortality. Herakles was forced to complete the twelve labors. The condition was that if succeeded in completing the twelve glorious deeds he would be made immortal. He did it and then he was granted godhood. He was a brutal person killing ferocious, dangerous animals and man-eating birds. This symbolizes that man needs to kill the ferocious nature or animalistic tendencies within him only after which he can be granted godhood or immortality. Man has to develop and evolve himself to attain immortality. The twelve labors of Hercules are processes of learning. Man evolves as he progresses in life and finally emerges into the day – light dawns in his life, realization comes, the consciousness awakens. This has been totally eliminated in the movie which carries vital message for people who are serving their term on earth. At the same time, as Hamilton describes, even though Hercules was ferocious and drank liquor, when he came to know that his friend Admetus’ wife had died, and his friend without disclosing this fact to him had silently mourned, Hercules was distraught. As a repentance and demonstrating to the people what power he had or God has, Hercules wrestled with death and got back Admetus’ wife. Hercules also realized how true a friend Admetus was when he exclaimed, His eyes were red..He made me come in...Oh good friend and host! (Part 3, Ch 3, p 240). Herakles successfully completed the twelve labors. He was granted godhood but until the end, he was fighting for women. He married thrice during his lifetime. Even at the end, he fought until he broke off Akheloos’ horns and won Deianeira. He was revengeful and until the end, he carried grudge against Iole’s father for not giving him his daughter’s hand in marriage. He kept Iole as his mistress as a punishment. The purpose of human life itself is to merge with God. The movie does not show his marriage and insanity when he kills his wife and children, which is very important as it has a message for the mortals on this earth. It is after this that he was asked to perform the Twelve Labors. We have to atone for our mistakes and keep negativities at bay but the movie has no mention of regrets and redemption at all. Women tempt, women lure, women attract, women lead man astray; their erotic tendencies cause destruction. They are nothing but delusions in life. The demons or the evil forces that appear to be stronger cannot withstand the powers of God; godliness prevails. Anything that is created has to die; human beings are mortal. Hercules became immortal in death after attaining godhood. To attain the inner purity we need the support and guidance of the gods; divine intervention alone can swim us across the ocean full of wild weeds and sharks. The movie bears no resemblance to such important teachings. According to the Greek mythology, Hades was both a good and bad ruler; he was the God of the underworld but was never shown as the personification of devils, which is the way it has been depicted in the movie. The movie does not show Zeus sleeping with Alcmene. The movie is animated and badly illustrated; it degrades the character of Hercules. The movie does not show the birth of Hercules and nor does it show him attaining godhood. There are just glimpses of the twelve labors. The movie also shows Hercules facing a charging bull but no background or other details have been given. To appeal to the masses, the movie shows Hercules as a super hero rather than a strong and powerful character. He is referred to as ‘Herc’ in the movie and sent to be trained as a hero. He is portrayed in a way that he gained fame and popularity but never depicted as evolvement of mankind as life progresses. He is generally shown as a kind-hearted character and there are fast moving images to appeal to children. Perhaps Disney wanted to challenge the old monotheistic beliefs of the western world. The idea may have been to unify the world through a common set of beliefs and values. The old characters have been reinvented to eliminate the negativities, but sex, abusive language and other negative traits have been amply demonstrated. Through the movie, Disney, altering a few facts here and there, has tried to make Hercules like Christ. Hercules comes to the earth as a savior with a human mother and a divine father. He is misunderstood by peers but through his life teaches lessons of immortality. He is hated and hunted by evil power and prays to his father-God. He gives up his life to save another and finally returns to heaven after victory. All through it has been a life of selfless sacrifice, which is to teach the human beings on earth. Nevertheless, children have to be given the facts. Nowhere has it been clarified why Hercules must face difficulties and what should be done to overcome them. Only five muses were presented in the movie instead of the traditional nine in the mythology. The movie further distorts fact by showing that Hades was the greatest threat to Hercules while it was actually Hera. The mythology never shows Hercules being friends with his winged horse Pegasus, which the movie shows. The gods in the movie have been shown drinking wine and martini, which again can have an adverse effect on children. Vulgar language has been used in the movie throughout. Women are referred to as ‘sweet cheeks’ and ‘babe’ which certainly cannot be a part of any mythology. Overall, the movie gives an impression of bad and disrespectful behavior. Hades’ underworld and Hercules’ encounter with Hydra can be scaring for children. While evidence exists that, these incidents did take place but even if mythologies are mere stories, when depicted human beings find it easier to apply the messages in life. Each epic is unique as they carry diverse messages; each human being is different and requires a different experience to evolve. The purpose of movies is to make these messages clear and simple but without distortion of facts. The Disney movie has not been able to influence the people the way the mythology was intended. It is a great disappointment specially for those who are aware of the mythological facts and its meaning. References & readings: Hamilton Edith, Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Stewart, Michael. "Herakles", Greek Mythology: From the Iliad to the Fall of the Last Tyrant. 10 July 2006 Herakles, Wikipedia, 10 July 2006 Heracles, The Erymanthian Boar, 10 July 2006 Read More